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Computed tomographic evaluation of thyroglossal duct cysts in children under 11 years of age
Dong Hoon Lee1, Se Hee Jung, Tae Mi Yoon
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chonnam National University Medical School & Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital, Hwasun, Korea.
Insights
Computed tomography (CT) features of thyroglossal duct cysts (TDCs) in children under 11 were reviewed. Most TDCs appeared as homogeneous or low-density lesions, predominantly in the infrahyoid neck.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Radiology
- Head and Neck Imaging
- Congenital Abnormalities
Background:
- Thyroglossal duct cysts (TDCs) are common congenital neck masses in children.
- Accurate diagnosis relies on characteristic imaging findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To delineate the computed tomography (CT) imaging features of thyroglossal duct cysts (TDCs) in pediatric patients.
- To correlate CT findings with the anatomical location and characteristics of TDCs in children under 11 years of age.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of CT scans from 16 pediatric patients diagnosed with TDCs.
- Evaluation of lesion characteristics including site, walls, margins, internal septa, rim enhancement, and density.
- Correlation of findings with patient age and thyroid gland presence.
Main Results:
- TDCs were predominantly located in the midline (50%) and infrahyoid region (75%).
- Well-circumscribed walls and peripheral rim enhancement were observed in 75% of cases.
- Homogeneous or low-density attenuation was the most common internal characteristic (all but one cyst).
Conclusions:
- The most frequent CT finding for pediatric TDCs is a homogeneous or low-density lesion.
- TDCs in children under 11 years are typically found in the infrahyoid neck.
- CT imaging is valuable for characterizing TDCs in pediatric patients.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to review the computed tomography (CT) features of thyroglossal duct cysts (TDCs) in children less than 11 years of age. A retrospective chart review was performed at Chonnam National University Hospital for the period of March 2005 to June 2011. CT scans of 16 patients having TDCs were evaluated for the following features: site of the mass, relationship to the midline, walls, margins, internal septa, rim enhancement, internal density, and the presence or absence of the thyroid gland. Of the 16 lesions, 8 (50%) were located in the midline and 12 (75%) were infrahyoid in location. Twelve (75%) of the 16 patients had well-circumscribed walls and peripheral rim enhancement. Internal septa were seen in four of the cysts, and all but one of the cysts demonstrated homogeneous or low-density attenuation. The most common CT findings of TDCs in children less than 11 years of age were a homogeneous or low-density lesion. TDCs in children under the age of 11 years were mostly located in the infrahyoid neck.
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